Omanyala calls for modern sports facilities to nurture young talent

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has called for increased investment in modern sports facilities in schools to support the identification and development of young athletic talent across the country.

Omanyala said adequate and well-equipped sporting infrastructure is critical to nurturing talent and ensuring that the country remains competitive on the global stage.

According to the sprinter, access to modern facilities enables young athletes to train effectively, develop discipline early, and compete favourably with their peers internationally.

“For talent to be nurtured, we need modern sporting facilities across the country. Facilities like these help athletes cope with global standards. If we can spread such infrastructure nationwide, we will be in a strong position to develop talent in different sports,” Omanyala said.

The sprint star made the remarks during a visit to Merishaw School, where he is expected to play a key role in inspiring students, showcasing elite sprinting techniques, and promoting structured talent development through the school’s sprint club.

Omanyala revealed that beginning next term, he will work closely with the school to mentor and motivate aspiring sprinters, an initiative he believes will have a long-term impact.

“From next term, I will be working with the students to inspire more sprinters. This is an opportunity I am excited about, and I see it going very far in nurturing future champions,” he said.

The initiative is being implemented through the Omanyala Foundation, which focuses on identifying, mentoring, and developing athletic talent across the country, particularly among young athletes at the grassroots level.

Omanyala is Kenya’s leading sprinter and the fastest man in Africa. He holds the African 100-metre record and is widely regarded as one of the continent’s most successful track athletes.

Omanyala is a Commonwealth Games champion and has won multiple continental titles, consistently representing Kenya at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Beyond his achievements on the track, Omanyala is a strong advocate for grassroots sports development.

Through the Omanyala Foundation, he has committed to using his platform to promote access to training facilities, mentorship, and opportunities for young athletes, with the goal of building sustainable athletic excellence in Kenya and across Africa.